Radar to go, says ALP

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Labor unveiled its blueprint for the aviation industry yesterday, joining the dogfight over changes to air traffic control laws and vowing to scrap a planned $150 million regional airport radar system and replace it with a $2 million alternative.

Shadow minister for transport and infrastructure Martin Ferguson attacked the Government's handling of aviation policy, saying that Australia's excellent safety record had been placed at risk by recent changes, including the now-abandoned switch to the National Airspace System (NAS), a controversial American-style air traffic control method.

"A federal Labor government will act to reverse new regulations that could jeopardise the wellbeing of the travelling public and work against the interests of Australian aviation," Mr Ferguson said.

Next month, Australia's airports will change to a hybrid of the original and NAS systems.

In September, Transport Minister John Anderson ordered that new radar equipment be installed at 10 regional airports, saying it was needed for safety.

Airservices Australia does not believe the new radar is required. Labor says it is a waste of money and will not aid safety. Mr Ferguson vowed to scrap the radar and install a $2 million system.

A spokesman for Mr Anderson said last night that the announcement showed Labor could not be trusted to govern. "The policy makes it clear that Labor would reduce aviation safety at 10 major regional airports compared to the level of safety under a Coalition government . . ." he said.